Fluorescent tube mounting



March 16, 1943. A. o. ELTING FLUORESCENT TUBE MOUNTING Filed Nov. 24, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet l fzvvzzv TUE 1454215 7 Z7, Z2 771v March 16, 1943. O ELTING 2,314,038

FLUORES CENT TUBE MOUNTING Filed Nov. 24, 1941 2 SheetsSheet 2 j/VVENTUH I A gy/5T Z7, Z2 T/ vy Patented Mar. 16, 9943- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 12 Claims.

This is a continuation-in-part of applicant's co-pending application Serial No. 405,760, filed August '7, 1941, issued as Patent No. 2,279,036 on April '7, 1942.

The invention relates t mountings for fluorescent tubes and particularly to tube socket receptacles constructed and arranged in a manner to simplify socket insertion and wiring and to detachably secure the sockets rigidly in place.

The fluorescent tube mountings of the character herein disclosed are particularly intended for use in floor and table lamps of a type having parallel fluorescent tubes arranged for direct lighting. The invention is concerned further with the provision of inexpensive housings or receptacles arranged on the extreme ends of suitable supporting arms to retain and partially conceal the tube sockets in spaced relation and conceal the wiring therefor, while afiording an easily disassembled organization to permit easy access being had to such wiring, both during assembly and subsequently thereto.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a two-piece receptacle for fluorescent tube sockets with novel means to limit insertion of the socket bases.

Another object is to provide a fluorescent tube socket receptacle with novel means to facilitatesocket wiring and to secure the sockets firmly in place therein.

Another object is to provide novel means to reinforce the tube socket mounting to impart sufficient rigidity to the sockets so as to prevent their misalignment.

Another object is to provide a fluorescent tube mounting for lamps, which is not expensive to manufacture or mount in place and which, when assembled, effectively conceals and protects the electric wiring connecting said sockets with a source of electric supply.

The foregoing and such other objects of the invention as will appear hereinafter as the description proceeds, will be more readily understood from a perusal of the following specification, in which reference is had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a perspective view of one embodiment of the socket mounting, showing a fragment of the supporting arm.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plane view of the mounting illustrated in Fig. 1, showing a part of the cover broken away.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken o improvements in 5 oi receptacle base plate.

Fig. '7 is a transverse sectional view of the base plate shown in Fig. 6; the illustration showing it assembled upon an arm end and having a cover associated therewith.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 8-8 of Fig. 8, showing portions of the base plate and one socket broken away.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a modifled form of cover, showing the tube sockets mounted therein.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a receptacle base plate constructed for use in connection with the organization shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of another form of receptacle, showing a slidably removable cover.

All like numerals appearing on the drawings identify the same or corresponding parts.

The tube mounting illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, includes an open ended receptacle or housing substantially rectangular in shape and consisting of a base plate H and an associated cover I2. The cover l2 preferably is made from sheet material formed to provide a top wall l3 and spaced parallel side walls H. The base plate II, also preferably made from sheet material, is substantially rectangular in shape and is intended to fit snugly between the cover side walls 14 to define the bottom side of the receptacle.

The open ends of the receptacle thus provided each receive a base portion I5 of one of. the two fluorescent tube sockets l5. Conventional tube sockets all have a substantially rectangular base portions l5, consequently said bases conform to and fit snugly into the rectangular shaped ends of the receptacles. It should be apparent, however, that the precise shape of the socket receiving receptacle ends may vary if required to adapt them to receive socket bases other than rectangular should the occasion arise.

As best illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the base portion of each socket l6 extendsa predetermined distance into the respective end of the receptacle. The amount of insertion is determined and limited by transversely extending mounting arms ll struck from a substantially vertically disposed wall It formed on one longitudinal edge of the base plate H. The free end of each arm I! is suitably apertured to receive a self-tapping screw l9 extending one through each socket base for securing the sockets thereto. When the sockets are mounted on the base plate, they are retained substantially rigid against unwarranted twisting and removal.

Ordinarily, substantially stifl sheet material is used to make the base plate I l, consequently, the mounting arms I! are suiliciently rigid to resist any flexing due to pressure applied at the socket ends. However, should present material shortages or other considerations require the use of sheet material having some degree of flexibility, it may be advantageous to employ a reinforcing member 2|. As best shown in Fig. 5, the member 2| consists of a substantially U-shaped strap having its parallel legs 22 pierced to admit passage of the screws l9 when said strap is fitted over the free ends of arms l1 (Fig. 2) with its legs disposed one between each socket and the associated mounting arm.

After the tube sockets are mounted in place on the base plate II, the necessary wiring of the sockets, if not previously wired, is attended to, whereby said sockets are connected with a source of electrical supply. When the cover l2 is slipped over the partially assembled mounting, the wires connecting the sockets with the electrical source are confined within the space between the opposed sockets. Inadvertent removal or displacement of the cover is prevented by means of a suitable screw 23 extending through one side wall 14 thereof and threadingly engaging in the vertical wall l8 of the base. The lead wires 24, connecting the sockets with the source of electrical supply, extend downwardly through the previously attached supporting arm 25.

It will be appreciated upon viewing Figs. 2, 3 and 4, that the supporting arm 25 may be attached to the base plate II in any approved manner. A preferred assembly requires that said arm have a shouldered substantially tubular end portion 26 for extension through an opening 21 in the base plate a distance sufliciently to allow said end portion to be rolled outwardly and clinched against the inside face of the base plate ll. Inadvertent twisting or turning of the base plate relative to the arm may be prevented by providing one or more lugs 28 on the tubular portion 26 for engagement in recesses or notches 29 in the opening 21. The provision of such lugs and notches on the related parts also insures proper positioning and alignment of the base plate on the supporting arm 25 and thereby prevents misalignment of the sockets in the complete lamp assembly.

The fluorescent tube mounting illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8, inclusive, is substantially like that previously described except that in this instance, the base plate Ila is cast with two upwardly extending longitudinally spaced integral lugs 31, each of which provides means to limit insertion of and an anchorage for the tube sockets IS. The free ends of the lugs 31 are apertured to receive self-tapping screws l9 whereby the sockets are firmly secured in place. Transverse ribs 32, provided one at the base of each lug 3|, extend toward opposite longitudinal edges of the plate H. These ribs reinforce the base plate I la and provide abutment surfaces for receiving screws 23 extending through and securing the inverted U-shaped cap l2 in place. It should be apparent at this time that this organization conceals the wiring and provides a firm anchorage for the sockets, and at the same time affords means whereby said sockets and wiring may be installed readily or easy access gained thereto for repair or replacement.

The assembly illustrated in Figs. 9 to 10 likewise embodies the desirable characteristics of the mountings hereinbefore described in that ready access may be gained to the sockets for wiring. As shown, the sockets l6 have their base portions I5 inserted one in each open end of the U-shaped cap I2a. Insertion of the sockets into the cap ends is limited by vertical shoulders 33 preferably formed by offsetting the medial portion of each side wall ll inwardly. After preliminary wiring and insertion, the sockets are securely anchored in place by a common screw or tiebolt 34. The base plate Hb (Fig. 10) is substantially like the base plate illustrated in Fig. 4 except that its longitudinal edges are recessed to conform to the ofisct side walls of the cap Ho and it has upstanding lugs 35 to receive screws for anchoring the cover and the contained sockets thereon.

In the Fig. 11 disclosure, the socket receptacle consists of a substantially U-shaped shell having a base or bottom wall He and spaced side walls 36. The upp r marginal edges of the side walls are turned outwardly to provide fianges 31 to slidingly receive the channelled edges of a flat cover 38. Insertion of the sockets (not shown) into the open ends of the shell is limited by a plurality of vertically aligned inwardly struck fingers 39. Obviously, the sockets may be anchored in place by drawing them tightly against the fingers by a tiebolt of the type illustrated in Fig. 9. In assembly, the sockets preferably are wired prior to being anchored within the shell lie and the cover 38 is subsequently slid into place. This organization is particularly simple and the material or labor required is kept at a minimum, thus providing an exceedingly inexpensive and practical mounting.

Although exempl ry forms of the invention have been shown in the accompanying drawings and described herein in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosures are not intended to be restrictive but that each may embody various modifications in detail structure without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A mounting for fluorescent tubes comprising, in combination, a housing formed of two cooperating parts, one of said parts consisting of a substantially rectangular plate, a vertical wall portion on one longitudinal edge of said plate, arms struck from said wall portion extending transversely of and overhanging said plate, said arms being spaced one inwardly of each end of said plate, two sockets having their bases resting one on each end portion of said plate, means securing said bases one to each arm, a reinforcing member bridging the free ends of said arms, and the other part consisting of an inverted substantially U-shaped cover to conceal the arms, reinforcing member and socket bases.

2. A mounting for fluorescent tubes comprising, in combination, a housing formed of two cooperating parts, one of said parts consisting of a substantially rectangular plate, a wall portion on one longitudinal edge of said plate, arms struck from said wall portion extending transversely of and overhanging said plate, said arms being spaced one inwardly of each end of said plate, two sockets having their bases resting one on each end portion of said plate, means securing said bases one to each arm, and the other part consisting of an inverted substantially U-shaped cover to conceal the arms and socket bases.

3. A receptacle for fluorescent tube sockets comprising, in combination, a rectangular housing formed of two cooperating parts, one of said parts consisting of a substantially rectangular plate having a wall on one longitudinal edge extending at right angles thereto, arms struck from said wall, said arms overhanging said plate and being spaced one inwardly from each end to define stops to limit insertion of tube sockets into the ends of said housing, and the other part consisting of a substantially U-shaped cover.

4. A tube socket receptacle comprising, in combination, a substantially rectangular plate having a wall portion extending at right angles therefrom along one longitudinal edge, parallel arms struck inwardly out of said wall portion, said arms being spaced from and inwardly of the ends of said plate and each being adapted to have a base of a tube socket secured thereto, and a removable cover for the socket bases.

5. A tube socket receptacle comprising, in combination, a substantially rectangular plate, a vertical wall portion on said plate, arms on said wall portion spaced above and extending transversely of said plate, and a substantially inverted U-shaped cover associated with said plate to define a substantially rectangular open ended receptacle,

6. A mounting for fluorescent tubes comprising, in combination, a housing formed of two cooperating parts and having open opposed ends, a pair of sockets each having a base portion insertable in an open end and secured to arms integral with one of said parts, said sockets projecting in opposite directions one beyond each end of said housing, and means to secure said parts together.

7. A mounting for fluorescent tubes comprising, in combination, an open ended housing formed of two cooperating parts, one of said parts consisting of a substantially rectangular plate having arms thereon, sockets closing the ends of said housing having their bases mounted with one side resting against said plate, means to secure said sockets one to each arm, the other part comprising a substantially U-shaped cover, and means to secure the cover to said plate.

8. A fluorescent tube socket receptacle comprising, in combination, a substantially rectangular plate, arms extending upwardly from the top face of said plate one inwardly of each end, and a removable cover secured to said plate and defining with said plate a substantially rectangular open ended housing, said open ends each being adapted to receive the base portion of a tube socket and the arms each threadingly receiving a screw extending through the base portion of a socket to retain the sockets in the housing.

9. A mounting for fluorescent tubes comprising, in combination, an open ended housing formed of two cooperating parts, a pair of sockets havi base portions insertable one in each end of said housing, spaced projections in said housing to limit insertion of said base portions and maintain them spaced apart, said sockets projecting in opposite directions one beyond each end of said housing, and means connecting said sockets to retain them in said housing.

10. A mounting for fluorescent tubes comprising, in combination, an open ended housing formed of two cooperating parts, a pair of sockets having their base portions insertable one in each end of said housing, stops in said housing to limit insertion of and maintain said base portions spaced apart, threaded means to secure the sockets one to each of said stops, and means to secure the housing parts together.

11. A mounting for fluorescent tubes comprising, in combination, a housing formed of two cooperating parts, a pair of sockets having their base portions mounted in said housing, stops in said housing to limit insertion of said base portions, threaded means to secure the sockets one to each stop, and means to detachably secure the parts together.

12. A mounting for fluorescent tubes comprising, in combination, an open ended housing formed of two cooperating parts, sockets one insertable in each end of said housing, spaced stops in one of said parts to limit insertion of said sockets, means to secure said sockets to said stops, and means to secure the parts to ether.

AUGUST 0. EL'ITNG. 

